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M8 flash question


defektive

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Having not ever used a flash I find myself in the position of needing one for a course I am doing. I have a M8 camera and need a bit of advice please.

 

I have around $200 to spend and am happy to go with a used one. I can get a Leica SF 24d for around the budget and I have found one going cheaper that the TTL mode doesn't work on.

 

My questions are:

1) how necessary is the ttl function and is it enough to just have the auto setting available?

2) you seem to get better value for money with the Metz flashes with adapter. Which ones work well with the M8 (I am happy to go with a non current model)?

 

Cheers,

Sam

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Sam,

 

TTL capabilities are desirable and have always given me good results--for how I use the flash, better than auto or manual.

 

As you're new to flash--and even though you're in a course--seriously consider joining Sean Reid's site (Reid Reviews) to read his article about how to effectively use an off-camera flash with the M8. Learning this technique, practicing it, and then exploiting your shooting environment with the flash is very desirable.

 

The shots in the spread below were shot with an SF24D plus sync cord, free-handed, in TTL mode. The flash was the only light in a pitch-black room. I had only a few moments to set up the shots.

 

5846520184_63c8ae5b14_z.jpg

Design Project: Aqua Night Magazine Spread - Cover by willstotler

 

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Design Project: Aqua Night Magazine Spread - pgs. 4 and 5 by willstotler

 

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Design Project: Aqua Night Magazine Spread - pgs. 6 and 7 by willstotler

 

5846519914_07decdc783_z.jpg

Design Project: Aqua Night Magazine Spread - pgs. 8 and 9 by willstotler

 

Cheers!

Will

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The only reason to get the SF 24D is its GNC/TTL capability.

 

If you're ready to lose TTL with your M8, there are any number of Auto flashes that will work and may both cost less and offer tilt or swivel.

 

Those who have used the Metz units generally say that the TTL/GNC doesn't function as well as it does on the Leica dedicated units.

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I avoid direct flash so I believe that TTL with the SF-24D is very important. That model (like the SF-20) has no tilt or swivel capability, so I always use it hand held on a cord. Since the flash will not normally be pointed at the subject, only the TTL mode (or manual mode, if so inclined) will produce proper exposure.

 

Camera mounted flashes that tilt/swivel work fine in auto-thyster mode.

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